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Best Synth VST Plugins For Every Budget

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We’re here to help you find the synth to suit your needs, whatever you’re willing to spend – starting from free.

If you’re looking for a software synthesizer, you’re in luck! There are many options available to you, ranging from completely free to paid. Soft synths can offer incredible value for money and sounds that you can’t find in the hardware world. They can faithfully emulate iconic models, offer brave new sounds, and even present fresh ways to synthesize audio – all at prices that are typically far lower than their physical counterparts.

Although you will always hear analog lovers decry them for the unforgivable sin of being in the box, the truth is that the power and functionality of synth plugins far surpass most hardware units out there. Throw in the fact that they’re far cheaper and don’t take up any space in your living room, and it’s easy to see why most producers have an arsenal of soft synth power to unleash in their tracks.

To get into the even nittier grittier of choosing a synthesizer, check out out In-Depth Synth Buyer's Guide. If you're into EQs, perouse this list of EQs for Every Budget, from £10 to £200 and everything between.

Types of Synthesizers

Perhaps your only real enemy when it comes to synth plugins is choice, as there’s quite an array of options available to you when it comes to purchasing time. Wavetable, virtual analog models, FM, modular, additive and subtractive synths – it can be hard to know where to begin, especially when you consider there’s a range of price points within each category. So let's break things down a little!

Wavetable Synthesizers: These synths use wavetable synthesis to generate sound. They are capable of producing a wide range of sounds, from classic analog-style tones to futuristic digital sounds.
Virtual Analog Model Synthesizers: These synths emulate the sound of classic analog synthesizers using digital signal processing. These types of softsynths are great for producing warm, rich tones that are reminiscent of vintage hardware synths.
FM Synthesizers: FM synths use frequency modulation synthesis to generate sound. To put it simply, this means that they use one signal to modulate the pitch of another signal that’s in the same or a similar audio range. These synths are capable of producing complex, evolving sounds that are ideal for creating ambient textures and otherworldly effects.
Modular Synthesizers: These synths allow you to create your own custom signal path by connecting various modules together. They are capable of producing a wide range of sounds, from simple tones to complex, evolving textures.
Additive Synthesizers: Additive synthesis uses the stacking of sine waves at various levels and frequencies as a way to generate sound. Through this, they can create complex, evolving sounds by combining multiple sine waves together.
Subtractive Synthesizers: These synths use subtractive synthesis to generate sound, which means that in order to generate the intended sound, they remove unwanted frequencies from the mix. They are capable of producing warm, rich tones by filtering harmonics from a complex waveform.

Each type of synthesizer has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for classic analog-style tones or futuristic digital sounds, there’s a software synthesizer out there that’s perfect for you.

Buying the Best VST Synth Plugin for You

When it comes to buying the best synth VST plugin for you, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Features: Different synth VST plugins come with different features. Some plugins offer a wide range of sound design tools, while others are more streamlined. Some offer a broad choice of presets, whilst others choose to limit or do away with these entirely. Consider what features you need and choose a plugin that meets your requirements.
Sound Quality: Arguably the most important factor to consider when choosing a synth VST plugin is sound quality. Modern technology allows for detailed emulations of classic synths as well as crisp digital synthesis options, but not all softsynths are created equal in this regard. Look for a plugin that produces high-quality sounds that meet your needs.
Ease of Use: Some synth VST plugins can be quite complex, while others are more immediately user-friendly. Consider your level of experience with music production and choose a plugin that is easy to use and understand.
Compatibility: Make sure the synth VST plugin you choose is compatible with your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Most plugins are compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and FL Studio, but it’s always a good idea to double-check before making a purchase.
Price: Synth VST plugins can range in price from free to several hundred dollars. Consider your budget and choose a plugin that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Luckily, we've provided below some synth VST plugin choices for all budgets.
Reviews: Finally, read reviews of the synth VST plugins you’re considering. This can give you a good idea of what other users think of the plugin and help you make an informed decision.

Are Free Synth Plugins Any Good?

Free synth plugins can be a great way to get started with music production without breaking the bank. While some people might assume that free plugins are of lower quality than paid ones, this is not always the case. In fact, there are many free synth plugins available that offer excellent sound quality and a wide range of features.

One of the main advantages of free synth plugins is that they allow you to experiment with different sounds and styles without having to spend any money. This can be especially useful if you’re just starting out with music production and want to get a feel for what’s possible.

Of course, not all free synth plugins are created equal. Some may have limited features or lower variety of possible sound outputs than their paid counterparts. However, there are many free synth plugins available that are just as good as their paid counterparts, if not in some cases better.

When choosing a free synth plugin, it’s important to do your research and read reviews from other users. This can help you find plugins that offer the features and quality you need.

It’s also worth noting that many paid synth plugins offer free trial periods, which can be a great way to test out different plugins before committing to a purchase. This can be a good way to compare the sound quality and features of different plugins and find the one that’s right for you.

So yes, free synth plugins can be a great way to get started with music production, or even just expand your existing plugin arsenal, without spending any money. While not all free plugins are created equal, there are many high-quality options available that offer excellent features and are loved by their users. By doing your research and reading reviews, you can find the best free synth plugins for your needs and take your music production to the next level.

In this article, we’ve gone through the best synths in every price category, from the freebies all the way up to the big guns.

Best Free Synth Plugins

Tracktion MYTH

Price: Free!

Tracktion’s MYTH is one of the most generous free synth offerings available today. It combines a hybrid architecture of wavetable, FM, and subtractive synthesis with advanced modulation and high-quality built-in effects, giving you a serious sound design toolkit without spending a penny.

Unlike many free instruments, MYTH feels polished and future-facing, with a streamlined interface that keeps patch creation smooth and intuitive. Its flexible routing system makes it easy to create evolving pads, punchy basses, and complex textures, while the included preset library ensures instant inspiration.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first flagship synth or an experienced producer after fresh sounds, MYTH delivers professional results in a no-cost package.

Digital Suburban Dexed

Price: Free!

What We Love: A great emulation of a much-loved classic. Did we mention it's free?

Of course, you don’t always have to part with your hard-earned cash when you want to add a new synth to your collection. Digital Suburban Dexed is a free synth that emulates the Yamaha DX7. Yamaha’s digital synthesizer launched in 1983 and became a global success, featuring FM synthesis that was groundbreaking at the time.

Dexed perfectly captures the sound of the iconic instrument, which can be a little sterile, although nothing a few effects can’t warm up. Where the plugin really improves on the original is its all-in-one single UI window, which displays the entire six-operator synth engine - no menu diving required!

FM synthesis isn’t the most intuitive synthesizer format if you’re a beginner, but thankfully you can easily access thousands of free presets online. For a free synth, Dexed is plenty of fun and a great addition to your collection.

Best Synth Plugins Under £50

Klevgrand Pipa

Price: £36.95

What We Love: Weird, wonderful, and warped vocal sounds at a low price

Kicking things off in a rather unusual style, Pipa is a crossover between a wavetable synthesizer and a granulating sample player, specialised for vocal sounds. Instead of using ordinary samples or processing oscillators with formant filters, Pipa uses a large database of wavetables extracted from real vocal samples, which Klevgrand openly admit will tax your CPU pretty heavily.

During the development of the plugin, Kievgrand recorded singers performing vowel sounds using varying dynamics and pitches, which they then chopped up into tiny wavetables. Pipa’s internal engine morphs between these wavetables to give you a continuous vocal sound. You can develop the expression of this sound by using the synth’s LFO/envelope section, which allows you to add things like pitch scoops at the start and end of notes, shifting timbres and volume envelopes.

Best Synth Plugins Under £100

KORG M1

What We Love: The ‘90s in a box – iconic sounds that defined an era.

The original KORG M1, released in 1988, became one of the best-selling synthesizers ever, with presets that dominated pop and dance music through the ‘90s. The software version in the KORG Collection faithfully recreates its signature sample-based synthesis and instantly recognisable sounds - like the famous M1 piano and organ patches. While it may not be the most versatile engine compared to modern synths, it nails the nostalgic character of classic house, trance, and pop records. For producers chasing that retro flavour, the M1 plugin is unbeatable value under £100.

Native Instruments Razor

Price: £89.00

What We Love: Futuristic additive synthesis with a bold, digital aesthetic.

Built in NI’s Reaktor environment, Razor is an additive synthesizer designed to deliver ultra-precise, cutting-edge sounds. Every element of a patch—oscillators, filters, and effects—is built from pure sine partials, giving it an unmistakably crisp and modern character. Razor excels at sharply defined basses, aggressive leads, shimmering pads, and spectral FX that cut through any mix. Its visual interface not only looks striking but also makes it easy to see how harmonics are shaped in real time, giving you both a sound design tool and an educational glimpse into additive synthesis.

KV331 SynthMaster 3

Price: £94.33

What We Love: A fresh redesign of a cult classic, now sleeker and more inspiring than ever.

KV331’s SynthMaster has long been considered a go-to “all-rounder” synth, and with version 3, it finally gets the modern overhaul producers have been asking for. The updated interface is cleaner, scalable, and more intuitive, making it far easier to dive into its immense sound-shaping capabilities.

Under the hood, SynthMaster 3 retains its powerful hybrid engine, combining virtual analog, wavetable, additive, and sample playback synthesis with deep modulation options and high-quality effects. The huge preset library - now with updated sounds and expansions - covers everything from chart-ready EDM to cinematic atmospheres, making it one of the most versatile instruments in its price range. For under £100, SynthMaster 3 is a serious workhorse that can hold its own against far pricier synths.

DHPlugins HALO-2

Price: £99 (also available on Rent to Own!)

What We Love: Visually stunning, with virtually limitless possible sounds

HALO-2 by DHPlugins is a powerful and versatile software synthesiser that blends audio and synthesis in a visual and creative way. Whether you need huge basses, soaring leads, lush pads, or sharp stabs, this synth has you covered with its rich collection of presets and synth layers. You can also tweak the sound with filters, effects, and modulation options, or import your own audio files for further customisability. HALO-2 is not just a Rompler, but a fully-fledged synthesiser with features like sampler frequency modulation, split channel arpeggiator, sample unison, precision sample loop editing, bit-crushing, and more. You can even modulate your imported audio files with other imported audio files for some wild results.

HALO-2's well-featured user interface is designed for experimentation, and contrary to many other VST synth plugins currently on the market, can actually be picked up very quickly. With multiple expansions available, each with their own sonic character, HALO-2 is a synth that will undoubtedly keep you inspired for a long time.

Best Synth Plugins Under £200

Minimal Audio Current 2.0

Price: £199

What We Love: A cutting-edge, multi-engine synth that feels both powerful and playful.

Minimal Audio made waves with the release of Current, positioning it as a true next-gen instrument for producers who want deep sound design without sacrificing speed or inspiration. The new 2.0 update cements its status as one of the most innovative synths on the market, adding performance refinements and fresh creative tools.

Current 2.0 combines spectral wavetable oscillators, granular sampling, FM/AM, additive layers, and a versatile multi-mode sampler into a single, fluid instrument. A drag-and-drop modulation system lets you connect envelopes, LFOs, and sequencers with unlimited flexibility, while new features like the Wave Shaper FX and an interactive dual XY pad give you intuitive, expressive control over evolving sounds.

With over 400 presets, 170+ wavetables, and 800+ samples available through its integrated Stream content platform, Current 2.0 is always ready with inspiration.

u-he Diva

Price: £154.56

What We Love: An analog-lover's software dream!

Thought of by many as the closest thing to an analog sound in the digital realm, Diva is a game-changing soft synth that distils the essence of a gamut of vintage synths for a fraction of the cost, including the Moog Minimoog, Rolan Jupiter 6, Jupiter 8, Alpha Juno and Juno 60 and the Korg MS20.

Diva feels analogue right from the off, with an attractive interface bookended in luxurious digital wood. The synth’s oscillator, filter and envelope models are all closely modelled on components found in the classic units mentioned above. Traversing the divide between analog and digital is no mean feat, and u-he have managed it by applying a combination of real-time circuit simulation and zero delay feedback design to give the synth its gloriously buttery sound.

Kilohearts Phase Plant

Price: £158.95

What We Love: Unbelievable creative potential, with a vast range of genre-tailored expansions available

When Phase Plant was released in 2019, it shot to the top of many producers’ synth wishlists. With modular functionality that includes a versatile waveform generating system, dynamic and easily adjustable filters, a three-lane effects section and almost limitless modulation capabilities, Phase Plant brings a fresh take on developing tones and textures to craft.

Phase Plant is a sound design playground that gives you full synthesis control. By routing the plugin’s built-in modules along a signal chain, you can build your patches from the ground up, or choose from one of the 300-plus quality presets if you prefer having instant sounds on tap. All in all, there are so many sound design possibilities with this synth that at times it feels like you’re only scratching the surface of what it can do.

Arturia Pigments 6

Price: £189

What We Love: Virtual analog meets wavetable synthesis in this powerhouse of a softsynth

When Arturia first launched Pigments in 2018, it was their boldest move away from vintage emulation and into original, future-facing synthesis. Six years on, Pigments has evolved into a flagship softsynth - now in its 6th version - blending six powerful engines with a clean, color-coded workflow that makes complex sound design surprisingly intuitive.

Pigments 6 offers Modal, Granular, Wavetable, Sample, Harmonic, and Virtual Analog engines, plus a versatile Utility engine for layering and shaping tones. Its drag-and-drop modulation system turns intricate routing into a visual, creative process, while the streamlined interface keeps you focused on sound rather than menus.

The synth comes with over 1,600 presets that cover everything from cinematic atmospheres and hybrid acoustic textures to hard-hitting bass and cutting-edge electronic leads - expandable further via Arturia’s sound store. Combine that with premium effects, flexible sequencing, and a forward-thinking sonic character, and Pigments 6 proves itself as one of the most versatile and modern software instruments on the market.

Audio Damage Quanta 2

Price: £109.96

What We Love: Clean, sound-oriented UI

As we move into the higher price brackets, the synths in our list become more versatile and fully featured. Quanta 2 is a powerful but easy-to-use granular synth with far-reaching sound design capabilities, and it’s an instrument that succeeds in making granular synthesis fun and productive for music makers of all levels.

The sounds in Quanta 2 emanate from three sources: the “granulator”, an analogue oscillator and a noise generator. You start off by dropping an audio file into the granulator (it takes any mono or stereo WAV, AIF, OGG, FLAC or MP3 file), which Quanta 2 chops up into tiny grains. From there, you can use the synth’s wide range of controls to manipulate the way it synthesizes the sound.

Quanta 2 is also a fully capable subtractive synth in its own right and will work as a granular or subtractive (or both) synth without any sample at all. The synth’s two multi-mode filters and virtual-analog oscillator and noise generator can be used in addition to or injected into, the grain engine, adding some welcome colour and warmth.

Best Synth VST Plugins Over £200

Arturia V Collection Pro

Price: £699

What We Love: Every classic synth you're ever likely to need, in one premium bundle!

Okay, so it’s not a singular synth, but at the top end of our list is a premium instrument suite with top-end quality. For those of you with some cash to splash, Arturia’s V Collection X comes with a hand-picked, expertly engineered line-up of 45 instruments – essentially all the synths you’ll ever need! Although this collection is the most expensive title on our list, when you take a closer look at the array of iconic synths, keyboards and hybrids within, it can only be considered a bargain buy.

The V Collection has it all - analog classics remodelled in absolute detail with Arturia’s exclusive True Analog Emulation technology; digital synths and samplers reborn and remastered; keyboards, organs, acoustic and electric pianos captured with state-of-the-art physical modelling technology, and innovative augmented instruments that fuse sampling and synthesis.